As parliamentary discussions on the draft law regulating health services kicked off on Monday, February 17, Kepler College students this past weekend engaged in a passionate debate, examining the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of assisted reproductive technology in Rwanda. The series, University Debate Series, organised by the Health Development Initiative (HDI) in partnership with the Swedish Embassy, was abuzz with strong arguments as the opposing and proposing teams debated the motion: “Should Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) be adopted in Rwanda?” At the heart of the discussion was Assisted Reproductive Technology, which includes medical procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), sperm and egg donation, and surrogacy, among others. Nikita Muhinda, a second-year student, highlighted the mental health challenges that come with infertility issues, arguing that assisted reproductive technology should be a right, not a privilege. If the government removes barriers such as the requirement for one to be legally married to access Assisted Reproductive Technologies such as surrogacy and IVF, it could help many individuals fulfil their dream to be parents. I strongly believe that this should be a right for all, not a privilege, she said. To counter this argument, Kelly Habuwiwe, a student and one of the debaters, highlighted surrogate mothers whose mental health never factors in these crucial conversations. “The mental health challenges faced by individuals struggling with infertility are well-documented, but what about surrogate mothers? How are they affected, especially when complications arise? For instance, what happens if a child is born with disabilities and is rejected by the intended parents?” he wondered. ALSO READ: National adolescent conference highlights persistent SRHR challenges Denise Teta, the HDI Policy and Advocacy Officer, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in shaping laws and decision-making processes and advocating for themselves. “These debate series are designed to raise awareness about ART and the ongoing draft law on health services. Youth involvement in law-making and decision-making is our priority, and through these debates, we aim to spark their curiosity and encourage active engagement with national issues,” she stated. Teta also highlighted that as the conversation around the draft law evolves, youth participation will play a key role in shaping its relevance and ensuring its impact. “Even if young people don’t need ART now, they may benefit from it later in life. It’s essential for them, as the future of the country, to be involved in these discussions,” she added. ALSO READ: Is surrogacy legal in Rwanda? Lawyers and doctors are confused Abdul Hakim Muhoozi, a student on the debating team, expressed his gratitude for the experience, adding that researching the matter was an “eye-opener” about how technology was changing lives. “What I’m taking away from this is that technological progress is crucial across all aspects of life, especially in healthcare. ART could also be beneficial to me personally in the future. I want to thank HDI for launching this initiative—it’s an impactful way to raise awareness and engage young people in important health discussions,” he said. Doris Keza, a member of the team opposing ART, expressed her excitement about being part of the debate. She shared that the experience was not only informative but also a valuable learning opportunity. “Winning in the category of closing remarks was exciting. I’m eager to learn more about this topic because it’s something from which everyone can benefit. It was an engaging debate, and I also gained valuable insights from the proposition side,” she said. After Kepler College, the debate will go to the Eastern Province’s Gishari Integrated Polytechnic College and later to the Northern Province’s INES Ruhengeri.
